Dr. Alex's Blog: Chemical Peel Aftercare Instructions

Sunday, June 17, 2012

Chemical Peel Aftercare Instructions

A light- to medium-depth chemical peel is a simple procedure performed in the office that can give outstanding results. Carefully following these aftercare instructions will prevent side effects such as scarring or discoloration.

Avoid heat, alcohol consumption, and strenuous exercise for 24 hours. Heat refers to a hot environment outdoors or other hot environment such as a hot bath, sauna, or steam room. Heat also refers to hot or spicy food and drinks such as coffee or tea. Any of these things will draw blood to the skin and may lead to scarring or discoloration.

Beginning the second day after the treatment, apply a thin layer of Aquaphor^®, Vaseline, or other ointment two to eight times per day. Mixing it with a small amount of water makes application easier. Continue this until the seventh day after the treatment. This will accelerate the healing process.

Flaking and peeling usually begins two to three days after the treatment and lasts up to seven days. Some people do not peel. Do not be alarmed if you do not peel. The goal is not to peel, the goal is to get results. People who do not get visible peeling still peel, but it is microscopic so it is not seen. Do not remove flaked skin by pulling, picking, or rubbing. This can cause discoloration and scarring. Small scissors may be used to cut off the excess skin.

Wash your face with a gentle cleanser daily. Do not use wash cloths, mechanical scrubs, glycolic acid, salicylic acid, retinoids, skin lighteners, wax, or strong astringents for seven days. Do not get electrolysis, collagen injections, Botox, depilatories and facial waxing for seven days.

Do not apply makeup for 24 hours after the procedure. For the subsequent six days of the week, makeup avoidance is recommended, but mineral makeup is acceptable.

Avoid exposure to the sun as much as possible for the next seven days, especially between 10 AM and 4 PM. Protective hats and sunglasses are recommended. Use a sunscreen every day, even if you avoid the sun. Recommended sunscreens have SPF of at least 30 and provide UVA and UVB protection.

Do not tan for at least one month after the procedure.

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Alex Eshaghian, MD, PhD was raised in Los Angeles, CA. He attended UCLA for college and graduated Magna Cum Laude with a degree in Biology in 1998. He received many accolades including Phi Beta Kappa, College Honors, Departmental Honors, Goldenkey International Honour Society, and Mortar Board National Honors Society.

In 2000, Dr. Alex moved to Nashville, TN to attend the Vanderbilt University School of Medicine’s distinguished Medical Scientist Training Program. With scholarships from the National Institutes of Health and the Canby Robinson Society, he graduated with an MD and a PhD. Dr. Alex completed his post-graduate training in Internal Medicine at the University of New Mexico School of Medicine in Albuquerque, NM. Dr. Alex has had clinical training in dermatology at Vanderbilt University, UC Irvine, USC, UCLA, University of New Mexico, Veteran’s Affairs Hospitals in Nashville, TN, Albuquerque, NM, Long Beach, CA, and Los Angeles, CA, as well as in various private clinics in southern California. He is also certified in the injection of Botulinum toxin and dermal fillers as well as in the use of lasers for cosmetic applications.

Dr. Alex has done research for over a decade. His interest in research was sparked early in college when he worked in a nephrology lab. He then spent four years in a molecular biology lab in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at UCLA under the direction of Harold G. Martinson, PhD. His dissertation in graduate school was in the Department of Cell and Developmental Biology in the laboratory of James E. Sligh, MD, PhD where he studied genetic factors involved in photo-aging of the skin and in non-melanoma skin cancer. He has given oral and poster presentations at numerous conferences including the American Academy of Dermatology, Society for Investigative Dermatology, and American Society for Human Genetics. He has publications in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, Journal of Investigative Dermatology, Free Radical Biology and Medicine, and Cardiovascular Toxicology. He is also a contributing author for the Textbook of Aging Skin.

Dr. Alex has held a number of leadership positions including University of New Mexico School of Medicine Resident Voice committee member, Committee of Interns and Residents member, Dermatology Interest Group Association president and founding member, Executive Board member of Vanderbilt Hillel, Vanderbilt University MSTP Physician Scientist Speaker Series Committee member, Vanderbilt University Careers in Medicine Interest Group member, Vanderbilt University MSTP Student Advisory Committee member, and Vanderbilt University Dermatology Interest Group president. He has also participated in numerous service activities including Miles for Melanoma, Sun Protection Project, Camp Discovery, Links for Locks, and the Shade Tree Clinic.

At Alex Eshaghian Medical, Dr. Alex is translating his research in photo-aging to his clinical practice. His passion is to prevent signs of aging in the skin to make patients look and feel their best.